My Japan Travel Guide provides the necessary travel informaiton for you to prepare for visiting Japan, Land of the Rising Sun. Japan is one of the more pricey destinations in Asia, so I would recommend using public transport, which is excellent throughout most of the country.
About Japan
Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in Asia. Despite being one of the most advanced nations in the world, the country has managed to keep its traditions, culture and landscape very much intact. Although it is a very expensive destination, for those who can afford a trip to Japan, it is definitely worth the while. Quality comes at a price, and in this country, the high price that you pay is compensated by the quality received.
Shogu Shrine, Nikko
Author: Gorgo (public domain)
On this page, I would like to share with you useful travel information on Japan, with details on what to see in the cities and towns across the country, and how to get there. But first, a little introduction on Japan.
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. An archipelago, it comprises four main islands and many smaller islands totalling 6,852. The four main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. The nation of Japan covers an area of 377,944 square kilometers, and as of 2008, has an estimated population of 128 million. Honshu is the biggest and most populous island in Japan. Tokyo, the capital as well as biggest city, is located here. There are 30 million people living in and around Tokyo, giving it one of the most highly populated metropolitan area of any city in the world.
Japan Travel Information
- Official Name: Japan
- Capital: Tokyo (8,300,000, metropolitan area: 31,800,000)
- Population of Japan: 127,417,200
- Languages: Japanese
- Currency: yen
- Religions: Shinto (85%), Buddhism, others
- Size: 377,835 sq km (145,883 sq miles)
- Region: Asia
Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge
Author: Voyager (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)
Arriving in Japan
Nationals of sixty-one countries - mostly Western nations - are allowed visa-free visits to Japan, for stays of up to 90 days, with some as much as 180 days. Nationals of other countries must obtain a temporary visitor visa before arriving.
All foreigners arriving in Japan that are above the age of 16, except those on government business and some permanent residents, are required to be electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry requirement. Entry will be denied if this procedure is refused.
Japanese-style breakfast at Tamahan Ryokan, Kyoto
Author: MichaelMaggs (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)
When in Japan, you must carry your passport with you at all times - if caught without it, you will be detained until someone can fetch it for you. You could face a fine of ¥200,000 if caught without your passport.
Japan International Airports
The two main gateway airports to Japan are Narita International Airport (NRT) near Tokyo, and Kansai International Airport (KIX) near Osaka. Chubu International Airport (NGO) near Nagoya also receives international flights.
Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture during cherry blossom season
Author: ThorstenS (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)
Budget Travel within Japan
The most popular form of public transportation in Japan is the train. It has one of the best train systems in the world with most cities served by mass rapid transit subway trains, and intercity bullet trains called Shinkanzen. Use Hyperdia to look for the timetable and routes of trains in Japan.
Travel Insurance for Japan
If you're going to Japan, be sure to get yourself covered with Travel Insurance Japan.
Forest shrine in Yamanaka-ko (3 April 2007)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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